Director Report
March 1 - 31, 2025
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation's mission is to Build Community, Enrich Lives, and Care for the Urban and Natural Environment. This report is a look back and summary of operations supporting our mission and promise of excellent services to the people of Lake Oswego.
Aquatics Team Makes a Splash with Training in Olympia
As we move closer to the ribbon cutting and opening of the Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center (LORAC), our team is diving into training and teamwork! In early March, Aquatics staff members Kelly, Logan, and Colton traveled to Olympia, Washington, to attend the two-day Aqua-X Workshop hosted by the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). This hands-on training focused on enhancing skills in aquatic fitness instruction, safety, leadership, and program innovation.
Recreation Deputy Director Jan joined the team for the final session on Sunday, March 2, rounding out the weekend with a strong emphasis on collaboration and team building. The workshop marked an exciting step forward as we gear up to open LORAC and deliver exceptional aquatic programs to the community.
Community Events
FARMERS’ MARKET
Over the past few weeks, significant progress has been made in preparation for the upcoming Farmers’ Market season:
Vendor Selection: All interested vendors have been notified of acceptance, waitlist, or denial New exciting vendors include Barro (Mexican bakery), Café Rowan (lobster & crab rolls), Creole Enterprises, Fermentista, Newks Hot Sauce, Oswego Noodle House, Oyster Growers, Pollos Aguilar, Push Pull Coffee, Saigon Bowl, Sambas Baskets, Santa Terra Brazilian Bakery, Stamper Cheese, and more!
Staffing: New Farmers’ Market assistant manager, Katelyn, has began working She is helping facility and plan for the Farm Fresh Kids Program, obtain insurance and licensing for vendors, and attending the Oregon Farmers Market Association annual conference. Young Entrepreneurs: The new group of young entrepreneurs has been selected for the 2025 season. We have a talented group of high school students in the program, along with businesses including: Dirty Sodas, Baked Goodes, Ceramics, Oil Painting, Jewelry, and Crochet The students had their first workshop with the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts on how to market their products and set up their booth displays. This partnership with the Arts Festival will also give the students an opportunity to vend at the festival!
JUNETEENTH
The team has added Aaron Nigel Smith to the Juneteenth performer lineup Aaron is a Grammy nominated Reggae musician and Billboard #1 recording artist. Aaron is also an educator founding the FUNdamnetals of Music and Movement for youth. He has been added to a great lineup of performers and speakers, Sebe Kan – West African Drum and Dance Troupe as well as keynote speaker, Taylor Stewart, of the Oregon Remembrance Project, and Emcee & DJs - DJ Ambush and Morgan Jones.
4THOFJULY
Parade applications are now live for interested nonprofits, families, and businesses to participate in the parade Interested participants can visit our website for a link to submit application. Millennium Concert Band has been booked for the July 3rd evening concerts kicking of Independence Day celebrations, sponsored by Mary’s Woods.
CONCERTS
Sound engineers for concerts and events have now been booked along with the full concert lineup The concert poster and lineup are now available for the community to check out on our website. Concert vendor applications are now open on www.managemymarket.com for interested food vendors
Luscher Farm
Farming While Black Film Showing:
Community gardens have been hosting a book club during the winter season In February, they read the book Farming While Black and on March 6, the Luscher Team hosted a free showing of the film to the community. The event was hosted at the Lake Theater and brought out 25 community members!
Community Gardens: The Community Garden volunteer opportunities for the season have been published at this link Our gardeners are required to volunteer 4 hours to maintain their plot status, but many of our gardeners go above and beyond!
Adopt-A-Plot: Our adopt-a-plot program is now in full swing! All the garden beds have been assigned, and food growing for Hunger Fighters and Meals on Wheels has begun. Seeds that have been started include onions, lettuces, potatoes, peas, radishes, beets, and other cold crops
ADA at Luscher: This year, we are grateful to have received a donation of an ADA-accessible raised bed to our adopt-a-plot program, generously donated by the Goeken family. We hope to increase accessibility at Luscher and are thrilled about this first step
Programming: We have had a lot of programming already this Spring, including our Spring Break Farm camp, girl scouts’ visits, and birthday parties! We love welcoming the community to Luscher and teaching about organic agriculture
Adult Community Center
HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED IN MARCH!
BIG NEWS!
Our new van arrived! It allows a more reliable ADA lift and can transport two wheelchairs or seat eleven passengers Decals are in work
FACILITY PROJECTS:
Installed gutter guards to help prevent clogs that can lead to leaks This improvement also reduces the need for employees to access the roof or use ladders, enhancing safety
Completed a minor repair in our driveway
PROGRAMS:
Our programs continue to thrive and grow in popularity:
Ping Pong is quickly becoming a community favorite, with twenty-seven participants already signed up.
The Senior Scholar Program, presented in partnership with the Lake Oswego Public Library, drew an impressive crowd of seventy-three attendees for the session titled "The Science of Climate Change"
Our bridge classes and activities remain strong, with over one-hundred participants joining each month.
The St. Patrick’s Day Dinner was a tremendous success rivaling Thanksgiving attendance! Guests enjoyed live music, traditional corned beef and cabbage, and a festive atmosphere
“The music was outstandingly great! The food was great also”
Recreation & Aquatic Management
PRE-LAUNCH & RIBBON CUTTING
Helped develop a comprehensive plan for the pre-launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of LORAC.
Coordinated staffing requirements and scheduled necessary personnel
Helped arrange rental equipment to ensure a seamless event setup.
Established a detailed safety plan to maintain a secure environment during the event
Helped order food and beverages for the event
Helped with purchasing items for swag for the event.
FACILITY INSPECTION & READINESS
Completed the punch list for Areas C and B at LORAC, addressing outstanding tasks and ensuring readiness for operations.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Conducted multiple facility tours for key stakeholders, including the Parks Board and programming staff, to showcase the facility and discuss operational aspects.
OPERATIONS PLAN FINALIZATION
Worked diligently on finalizing the LORAC operations plan which is near completion to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow upon opening.
STAFFING & HIRING
Assisted in the hiring process for two Administrative Specialists to support LORAC’s daily operations
Helped coordinate unforms and ordering
AQUATICS
Significant progress has been made in preparation for the LORAC opening. The pre-launch and ribbon-cutting plan is in place, facility readiness is being finalized, stakeholder engagement is ongoing, and key hires have been made to support operations Next steps include executing the pre-launch event, finalizing additional operational details, and ensuring all systems are in place for a successful opening
AQ Staff attended a 2-day Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) training in Olympia, WA to learn and brush up on skills for teaching Aquatic Fitness classes.
Over 50 interviews have been conducted this month, and 42 unique applicants are in the process of being hired for Lifeguard, Head Guard, and Swim Instructor positions.
Recreation Management Services
Aquatics in Action!
The month of March opened with a fun AquaX Workshop training with a refresher for the Recreation Deputy Director with a great teambuilding session The session took place at the Olympia, WA YMCA pool and the Aquatics Team members, Kelly, Logan and Colton attended the entire two-day workshop while Jan joined them for last session on Sunday March 2. LO was there!!!
LORAC Special Occasions
Planning has begun in earnest for the LORAC Pre-launch parties and Ribbon Cutting Celebration during the month of March Staff have been working together to create events to welcome the community into the facility as soon as it is approved for occupancy. Dates are soon to be announced.
Speaking of the LORAC, many punch list walks took place in March Staff members and architect teams walked the front lobby area, the offices, the weights & cardio room, the lobby restrooms, the gymnasium, and locker rooms and respite, event rooms and hallway family changing rooms and restrooms were all reviewed and lists of touch ups were given to the contractors
LORAC art sculpture Living Tree II created by artist, Diego Harris, was delivered and is being stored at the Firlane property. Next week, art pads are going to be poured at the LORAC and then in about a month all of the art installations will be scheduled
Goats at Luscher?
Eric, Jan and Emily went to visit the current home of the Belmont Goats. About two months ago, news reported that the goat’s lease was about to expire and the property was scheduled for affordable housing construction project Luscher Farm was thought to be a perfect place for the goats and the offer was extended to the Belmont Goat non-profit group. We are waiting to hear if the goats will stay in Portland or will they become residents of the farm Stay tuned!
Recreation Management Services
ADA Technical Team
- March
is Disability Awareness Month!
More than one in four adults in the US lives with a disability Each March, we take time to raise awareness, recognize the contributions of people with disabilities, and promote accessibility for all. As part of this effort, the City released its annual report. Check out what Parks & Recreation did in 2024 on pages 9-11! The Technical Team from all representatives for various Departments met with the technical team for our quarterly event to discuss current parks and programs that the Department has been initiating to serve people experiencing disabilities.
March Monthly Programming Meeting
This month we met at the MAC in the Willow Room to discuss LORAC updates, summer registration details, mandatory reporting training schedules, and registration software updates. For our monthly learning and staff development topics, Nicolette from the ACC shared information on the software tips and trick for Canva, a publication software application that can help with creating newsletters, fliers, posters, and all sorts of printed media. Nicolette’s focus was on providing informative details on how to create a newsletter format in the new brand
NRPA- Innovation Award for Equity Submission
The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize and honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation Innovation Awards are presented to Park & Recreation agencies for a program, facility or project. Innovation in Equity Award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that improves access to the benefits of local parks and recreation for everyone in the community, no matter the color of their skin, age, income level or ability
Who should apply: Agencies that have found an innovative way to improve access for all to a great park through things such as creative programming, community outreach and more The sky’s the limit!
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation submitted for the Lake Oswego Young Entrepreneur Program (LOYEP) launched with the 2024 season at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market held in Millennium Plaza Park This program targets high school age students in grades 912, an underserved and often unseen age group in our community. Students with a passion for entrepreneurship learn about participating in farmers’ markets, developing products, marketing, insurance and licensing, customer service, and they learn financial basics of creating a small business. The program’s goals are to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among a diverse group of young individuals, innovate ideas in a supportive environment, provide a unique platform to showcase creativity, instill confidence in bringing products to market, and cultivate business acumen.
Enrichment
TEENPROGRAMS
The Lounge hosted a spring break kickoff party with games and sweet treats on March 21
The Lounge was closed the week of March 24-28 for spring break. Staff did some spring cleaning to get ready for the rest of the school year!
Staff is advertising summer registration dates and activities!
The Youth Action Council hosted the monthly Live Well Dance with a total of 104 dancers! YAC also gathered at The Teen Lounge to make dog toys and snuffle mats for the shelter dogs at Oregon Dog Rescue in partnership with the LOHS Mental Health Club!
YAC and Jr Camp Counselor applications are OPEN NOW and due in May
The Outside the Art Room Show is in April and applications are coming in from both high school and Jr. high school students. The annual show brings in talented artists for an evening of art on April 11; 6-8 pm
Enrichment
OUTDOORPROGRAMS
Hikes and Rambles is getting into full swing! They are hiking 2-3 times per week. Staff is ready for summer registration! We are offering several adventures and camp experiences
ENRICHMENT
The Summer Camp Guide was released on March 14 to eager parents ready for summer! Registration opens April 5! Indoor Playground hosted the LO Library’s Rover program twice this month; March 6 and March 20, as well as Mr. Hoo on March 13!
FITNESS
Spring Equinox Candlelight Yin class had 18 participants! Excellent feedback and everyone is excited for more of these specialty classes.
Hiring for fitness attendants at the LORAC is in full swing - everyone is enthusiastic to be a part of the new Center! Hired new fitness instructors and personal trainers in preparation for the LORAC! New classes coming soon.
Parks Planning & Projects
CAPITALPROJECTS
Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center (LORAC) Update
Buildings B and C are complete, and final punch lists have been submitted to TW
Final furniture delivery is scheduled for March 25.
Construction of Building A is ongoing.
Pool heaters are expected to be fully operational this week
Completion of the building envelope is anticipated this week
Stafford Road was repaved March 24–25.
Overlook sidewalk construction is scheduled for March 24–25.
Grading of the pathway around the stormwater pond is to be completed this week
Landscape work is in progress
Parking lot paving and striping are complete.
Bergis Road crossing work is ongoing.
Golf Course Update
Construction of the Maintenance Building is ongoing Paving around the building is complete, and the security fence is currently being installed The project is awaiting delivery of the roll-up doors and completion of the final interior work.
Final work with Milroy has not yet commenced. Staff is coordinating with the contractor to finalize the remaining punch list
The concrete pad for the irrigation booster pump was poured last week. Fittings and the main line connection are scheduled for completion next week.
Remaining final work will be completed once soil conditions allow Oswego Hall
This CIP project has been completed.
Rassekh Park
Fine grading is expected to be complete by the first week of April, followed by underground utility work to connect the playground area and maintenance building to water, sewer, storm, and electricity.
Parks Planning & Projects
CAPITALPROJECTSCONTINUED
Willamette River Greenway Trail (between Roehr and George Rogers Park)
A submittal for Metro Local Share funds for this project is being prepared for Lake Oswego City Council and Metro Council review and approval in early 2025 A design and engineering team led by Lago Hansen is working on refining the design and preparing a land use application following a preapplication conference on March 20. Per the pre-application conference the land use application is expected to be reviewed under ministerial review and will not require a land use hearing However, the project team still plans to hold an informal neighborhood meeting to keep neighbors apprised of the project status. A second meeting with the private property owners will also be scheduled
PLANNING&POLICYPROJECTS
Parks Plan 2040
The final joint Parks Board and CAC meeting was held on March 18, during which the Parks Board made a motion to recommend that Council adopt the Plan with a list of minor changes, and adding some discussion about access to Oswego Lake. Parks Plan 2040 was originally scheduled to go before City Council on April 15, but has been moved to May 20 Following the Council meeting, the project team will review and may ultimately recommend changes to the Parks SDC methodology based on the 15-year CIP included in the plan; this information would be presented as a separate adoption package
Athletic Field Requirements Study Update
As a sub-project to Parks Plan 2040, staff are undertaking an update to the 2019 Athletic Field Requirements Study to affirm the need for additional athletic fields to serve local residents A final draft of the document is expected to be complete and shared with the public in early April.
Luscher Area Master Plan Implementation
Preparation of a land use application package including narrative, traffic impact analysis, local park master plan, and exhibits is underway and is expected to be submitted in early 2025. If approved, the first project staff would undertake is needed safety and accessibility improvements to Luscher Farm’s driveway and parking area, leveraging Metro Local Share dollars as approved by Lake Oswego City Council.
West Waluga Park Neighborhood Connector Trail
Scoping and design for this project, which emerged as a community priority during the Metro Local Share community engagement process, is expected to begin in early 2025 The project will connect neighborhoods north and south of West Waluga Park to each other and to the park’s amenities via a boardwalk trail between Royal Oaks Drive and Oakridge Court or Yorkshire Place
Tennis, Golf & Sports
TENNISCENTER
Program Updates
March has been another strong month at the Lake Oswego Tennis Center as we continued to build momentum and deliver high-quality tennis experiences for our community. The energy around the center remained high, culminating in a successful Spring Break Camp held March 24–28 We welcomed 32 youth participants, and the week was filled with learning, fun, and growth on the court.
The positive feedback we received from families and community members about the friendliness of our staff and the overall customer experience was heartening. We’re proud of the welcoming environment we’ve cultivated and will continue to prioritize excellent service and inclusivity for all who come through our doors.
In addition to camps and instructional programming, USTA Spring Leagues officially kicked off this month Our Adult 18+, Mixed 55, and Adult 65 teams have hit the ground running. Competitive play brings an exciting energy to the center, and it’s always great to see our players engage in league play with enthusiasm and sportsmanship
Spring & Summer Program Development
As we close out March, we’re already looking ahead to a vibrant summer season Preparations for summer registration are well underway, with a focus on refining our curriculum, and ensuring optimal staffing to meet demand. We are excited to offer a wide range of programs to keep players of all ages and abilities engaged throughout the summer months
Staffing Updates
Several of our instructors are currently working toward their teaching certifications, which speaks volumes about their commitment to professional growth and delivering the best coaching possible Their efforts help elevate the quality of our programming and further strengthen our coaching culture here at LOTC.
Our front desk staff continues to be a key piece of our center’s success Their responsiveness, friendliness, and attention to detail have not gone unnoticed by our community and continue to enhance the day-to-day experience for all patrons.
Facility & Operations
Behind the scenes, we continue to prioritize efficiency and clear communication. Our systems for registration, customer service, and program coordination are constantly evolving to better serve our community As we move into April, we’re excited to continue delivering excellent service and growing our tennis community.
Tennis, Golf & Sports
Youth Sports Classes and Camps
We offered two Spring Break options with fullday, half-day and afternoon only options. Spring Break camps had a total of 38 participants between partners Skyhawks Sports Academy and Play Fit Fun. Soccer Shots Spring classes began late March on Sundays and Tuesdays These classes serve preschool kids 2 years to 6 years The long running program, Run4Fun, youth running classes started with a full class of 12 runners.
Adult Sports
Spring Soccer League will commence the first week of April with two divisions, 14 teams, and 199 players. Summer Slow-pitch softball registration opens Tuesday, April 1. The league features may options including Men’s, Coed, and Senior divisions as well as multiple levels of play
Teen Sports
High School City League Basketball 2024-25 concluded with a full day tournament. Over 200 players participated in the tournament! Congratulations to Girls Champion, Hungry Hoopers, Boys 9-10 Champion, Pooh Shiesty Elite, and Boys 11-12 Champion, Team Big Money!
GIRLS 9-12: Hungry Hoopers
BOYS 9-10: Pooh Shiesty Elite
BOYS 11-12: Team Big Money
Tennis, Golf & Sports
GOLF
Representatives of the men’s and ladies’ clubs, and coaches from Lakeridge and Lake Oswego High Schools braved some crazy weather to tour the course on March 13. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of interest and excitement as we get closer to opening.
We selected foreUP as our tee time reservation software, and are now beginning the process of setting up the modules and training with foreUP.
We have been interviewing potential golf course attendants, and hope to be fully staffed very soon!
PICKLEBALL
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our pickleball classes at the newly constructed LORAC facility, beginning in May The new temperature-controlled environment will allow participants to enjoy the courts comfortably year-round. Our dedicated team of five pickleball instructors are eager to begin offering instruction and fostering a vibrant pickleball community
The following pickleball programs will be available:
Intro to Pickleball – Beginner
Pickleball Drill & Play Clinic
Pickleball Family Night
Pickleball Mixer Night
In addition, we will be offering Open Play Pickleball sessions, where players can rotate in on games during the following times:
Sundays: 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Mondays: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
Wednesdays: 6:00 am – 9:00 am
Fridays: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
We are also preparing for the upcoming summer season and look forward to opening registration in April We encourage community members to take advantage of these exciting new offerings and enjoy the enhanced recreational opportunities at LORAC.
Parks
Staffing Updates
The department celebrated Kurt Minges’ retirement after nearly 27 years with the City
New Park Ranger/Natural Area Park Specialist anticipated to start on March 31. Still in process of hiring new Senior Park Specialist & Administrative Specialist.
2 parks staff members have moved to new areas of responsibility; Josh Burgess is now responsible for George Rogers Park and Brandon Bolen is now responsible for Millennium Plaza Park.
Park & Natural Area Projects
Backflows and water fountains turned back on at all parks
Staff across all parks working on pruning projects, blackberry removal, pathway clearance, canopy lift, and equipment maintenance.
Weed pressure increases with the arrival of spring Staff follow IPM practices for removal
Bed of lavender planted behind Stafford Stones.
Foothills shrub bed maintenance underway with pruning, edging, transplanting, weeding, and spent grass rejuvenation pruning
Mowing & edging season begins across all parks.
Adjusted restroom locks and pathway lights with daylight savings time.
Staff spread multiple loads of wood chips and gravel at Hazelia Dog Park
Spring turf maintenance, detaching, overseeding, and fertilizing is in progress in various park areas.
New trees and shrubs have been installed in various park areas, including two new trees at the George Rogers Park playground.
A path was installed at the Golf Course for the transition from number one green, to number two tee
All the greens were over-seeded, as well as fertilized. The driving range was also fertilized.
Rewelding of soccer goals at the Westlake athletic field for safety performance
East Waluga and Hazelia synthetic fields have been de-compacted. This involves removing debris and re-lifting turf fibers to help restore the turf’s resilience, enhancing safety and playability.
East Waluga, George Rogers, and Westlake’s Athletic Fields -top dressed with sand or rubber for increased playability
The irrigation mainline at George Rogers Park was extended and 3 valves were moved to the new irrigation water line.
Staff Training & Safety
All staff safety meeting on distracted driving Staff attended an EAB management workshop
Communication & Sponsorship
LORAC Launch and Grand Opening
Launch party invitations were sent through ActiveNet to pre-sale members
Distributed invitations and save-the-dates to VIPs, LOSD representatives, and project partners.
Coordinating event speakers, timing, and program flow
Securing rental equipment for the event
Ordered branded swag for attendees. Developing guided tour plans for the new facility.
Coordinating walkthroughs with other City departments for emergency preparedness and response planning.
Collaborating with project partners, including SEA and the Energy Trust of Oregon, on dayof-event engagement and support
Working on support and promotional materials for ribbon cutting.
Sponsorships
Worked on contracts and continued collaborated with sponsors and prospects to fill concert dates and other event opportunities
Website Management
The Parks & Recreation website was actively updated with essential information, including: Information on upcoming events and project updates. Collaboration with IT and Cyd continued for the LORAC group page, which centralizes all related information. The planned launch date has been adjusted to April This includes developing Golf, Aquatics, and Rental pages
Spring/Summer Activity Guide
Guide was printed and sent to homes in late March Coordinated ads for sponsors
Uniform Collaboration
Finalized orders for parts of the LORAC team and created other orders that will be delivered in April.
Millennium Park Signage
Following the recent ruling on Oswego Lake access, new signage was developed and installed in the lower Millennium area The signage includes updated information from the Oregon State Marine Board to ensure clarity and compliance with state regulations.
Parks Board
Attended the Parks Board meeting on March 20. Took notes and participated in discussions
Communication & Messaging
Ongoing content development for Hello LO and LODown newsletters.
Worked with CMO office on Oswego Lake information and messaging
Attended the monthly Communications team meeting.
Community Inquiries
Handled large volumes of inquiries related to LORAC memberships, golf programs, and facility amenities demonstrating strong community interest and engagement.
Integrated into the Citizen Support Center messaging system through the City Manager’s Office
Banner Program Update
Coordinated with FastSigns to remove holiday banners and install new seasonal banners in parks, along A Avenue, and on Boones Ferry Road.
Created installation maps and organized banner sets to streamline the process
Currently developing designs for summerthemed and general-use banners.
Social Media
In March, social media efforts focused on key updates, public awareness, and community engagement. Highlights included: Stafford Road posts Parks Plan 2040 survey
Stewardship opportunities and gearing up for Arbor Month
Luscher Farm walkabout
Outside the Art Room call for artists and event
Job recruitment
Tumbling & Acrobatics
Ping Pong at the ACC
Stafford Road Communication
Developed a social media and communications plan to inform the community, businesses, and residents along Stafford Road
Emailed neighborhood associations with key details and updates
Worked with LOSD to get the word out. Designed and distributed door hangers to residences in the affected area.
Created and shared a flyer specifically for local businesses to ensure outreach and awareness